Psenda: Safe travels for the holidays

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It's that time of year when many of us in Summit County will be traveling for the holidays to visit family and friends. I want to remind everyone to stay safe and alert on the road this holiday season! A recent Ford survey shows that although 96 percent of drivers agree that it is unacceptable to drive while they are so tired they can hardly keep their eyes open, nearly half admit that they have fallen asleep at the wheel or know someone that has. Here are a few tips to stay awake and alert on the road:1. Get those zzz'sObvious but most important - getting the right amount of shut-eye can help prevent accidents behind the wheel. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get 7-9 hours of sleep a night.2. Hydrate w/ caffeine as backupProper hydration is critical for keeping energy up. If you aren't able to drink enough water or just can't fight that lethargic feeling, caffeine is an effective alternative for an extra boost.3. Car cat napA 10-20 minute nap can go a long way to help restore alertness and improve concentration. If possible, have someone else take the wheel for a while or pull over to a safe place and take a nap.If you are in the market for a new car this year you should know that many vehicles have advanced safety options such as Ford's Lane-Keeping System with Driver Alert, available on the new 2013 Ford Fusion and 2013 Ford Explorer. This system uses a forward-facing camera to track visible road markings, alerting the driver if the car drifts out of its lane, helping the driver correct their path, and recommending a rest when drowsy driving is detected. Safe & Happy holidays!B.J. Psenda, Silverthorne, Summit Ford